Rugby
“The Haka Is Part of Rugby’s DNA”: Jason Leonard Responds to Joe Marler’s Controversial Comments
Jason Leonard defends the haka’s significance in rugby, calling it "part of rugby's DNA." He previews England's Autumn Series matchups and the British and Irish Lions tour, highlighting South Africa’s bench strength as a key threat.
Dave Rogers - World Rugby via Getty Images/World Rugby via Getty Images
Former England player and British and Irish Lions Chairman Jason Leonard gives insight into the Autumn Series and the upcoming British and Irish Lions Series in Australia.
B I Lions Series vs Australia
The British and Irish Lions organisation recently unveiled their new jersey for the muchly anticipated tour down under.
The tour has since gone under scrutiny if it will be competitive taking into consideration the current form of the Wallabies and struggles within the Australian Rugby Union.
"I think the tour will be competitive. Joe Schmidt has been really clever in not picking his senior players, I know for a fact he will be looking at options for the Autumn Series,” Leonard told SportsBoom.com.
We haven't seen Skelton [Will] and those senior guys yet. If you look at the guys they played in the summer, they were leading at half time. Because they are a young squad and they haven't been together for long, they lost their games in the second half.”
I don't think they will be as bad as what everyone thinks, once they get their experienced heads back they will be much more of a challenge.
Jason Leonard
England vs. New Zealand Review
A tightly contested encounter at the Allianz Stadium, formerly Twickenham Stadium. Where the hosts went down 24-22.
Many questions were around the replacement of halfback pairing Marcus Smith and Ben Spencer.
"Unfortunately England was not able to close the game out. They stopped playing and ended up being defensive in the last 10-15 minutes. Again, you don't beat the All Blacks by just trying to defend all the time because they are such a good side and they just keep coming and coming."
"On the factor of Marcus Smith being subbed it is always a tough one. When you are a fan and sitting in the stands, you always think you are making the right decisions. The one thing we are not aware of [as fans], because now they [players] got the GPS tag in their shirts not knowing if they are fatiguing or not.”
“Perhaps their performance is dropping but we don't know that. I personally would've kept him in a bit longer, both the halfbacks actually Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith.”
At the end of the day, it's not one person's fault George Ford missed a penalty and a drop goal opportunity. They should've been in front by then, they had a chance.
Jason Leonard
England vs. South Africa Preview
The biggest game for the Springboks on the Autumn Series will undoubtedly be England, as they face Scotland this weekend, England the following week and closing off the season with a game against Wales at the Principality.
Leonard gives praise to the South African outfit as the team to beat.
"The problem England will have after this loss [vs New Zealand], will be the strong bench of South Africa. They will feel comfortable this weekend against Australia but the real test will come the following week against South Africa.”
“We know South Africa will be stronger in the last 20 minutes, especially the strength in depth on the bench. England will need to get a lot of points early in the game and take a lead, knowing they are going to face the assault of South Africa in the last 20 minutes. They [Springboks] are the best team at the moment in World Rugby.”
The Haka Controversy
Recently retired England Prop Joe Marler received a lot of backlash for his negative comments to the haka, calling for the Haka to be binned.
"I personally think the haka should be around, it is part of rugby's DNA. When I take my kids to the rugby and New Zealand are playing they are absolutely blown away by the haka. It would be a shame if we got rid of it."
UK Media on Rassie Erasmus
Springboks Head Coach Rassie Erasmus has had to take in a lot of criticism for his unconventional approach to the game. Utilising a 6-2 or 7-1 replacement tactic or being on the side of the pitch as water boy on some occasions.
"I don't know if it's not liking him or appreciating what he has done. They don't seem to give him a lot of credit, it could be jealousy to a certain degree. It could be many things. If you look at his track record in the Northern Hemisphere, it comes across as dismissive.”
“Clearly he is doing something right, it takes a lot to get the best out of those players. Rassie has been brilliant in my opinion, being able to build depth."
"Just to what Joel Stranksy said, Rassie being able to have a first choice, second choice, third choice, fourth choice and a youngster who can come in as well. He should get a lot more credit."
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.